That expanded field means Argentina is already well on its way to a World Cup return, but the table is tightening as Brazil continue to be inconsistent, Colombia remain difficult to beat, and Bolivia have won a pair of September matches to thicken the plot in the race for the final spots.

The September international break brings the return of World Cup qualifiers in Conmebol. Of all the confederations in FIFA, the South American entity is the farthest along in its qualifying process. After three international breaks in 2023,

Tim Vickery takes a look at what was yet another topsy-turvy round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers in South America.